Difference between revisions of "Adverse - averse"
From Hull AWE
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* '''adverse''' means, roughly, 'contrary', 'against' or 'unfavourable'. If you have '''adverse''' wind, it is blowing in your face; '''adverse''' fortune is bad luck; and '''adverse''' effects are those you don't want. '''Adverse''' is an [[adjective]] used to describe external things like weather or chance or results. | * '''adverse''' means, roughly, 'contrary', 'against' or 'unfavourable'. If you have '''adverse''' wind, it is blowing in your face; '''adverse''' fortune is bad luck; and '''adverse''' effects are those you don't want. '''Adverse''' is an [[adjective]] used to describe external things like weather or chance or results. | ||
* '''averse''' on the other hand is used to describe an ''internal'' state of mind. "I am '''averse''' to your going," says the jealous father; "The politician found himself '''averse''' to telling the truth about his relationship in public." | * '''averse''' on the other hand is used to describe an ''internal'' state of mind. "I am '''averse''' to your going," says the jealous father; "The politician found himself '''averse''' to telling the truth about his relationship in public." | ||
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Revision as of 11:56, 19 June 2007
Don't confuse these two words. If you do, spellcheckers will let you get away with it. Their meanings are not very far apart, but should not be confused.
- adverse means, roughly, 'contrary', 'against' or 'unfavourable'. If you have adverse wind, it is blowing in your face; adverse fortune is bad luck; and adverse effects are those you don't want. Adverse is an adjective used to describe external things like weather or chance or results.
- averse on the other hand is used to describe an internal state of mind. "I am averse to your going," says the jealous father; "The politician found himself averse to telling the truth about his relationship in public."
